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Red admiral butterfly (Vanessa atalanta) Red admirals have dark black-brown wings, each with an orange-red band. The forewing tips are black with white spots; the underside is orange, blue and white, while the hindwings are camouflaged dark brown. After hibernation, adults have a strong urge to fly northwards, bringing immigrants from the Continent throughout the summer. By mid-August they start to return south, leading to a build up in southern England in autumn. During the summer females lay single eggs on the growing tips of nettles. After a week or so, the caterpillars hatch and each spins a tent around itself by fastening a young leaf double with silk. Four weeks later caterpillars pupate in a similar ‘tent’. Adults may hibernate in England, usually choosing an exposed site such as a tree trunk, and many perish. This is one of largest and most easily recognised butterflies but one I had not photographed until recently, due to being complacent to its abundance. Both images were handheld taken in natural light, the enforced big aperture due to handholding creates a nice out of focus background. Top - Can on 30D Sigma 50mm macro lens. Bottom - Canon 30D Vivitar 100mm macro lens. |
